The Alumni Board President’s Column provides a personal glimpse into Leigh Anne Orr’s journey as both a Barton College alumna and the current Alumni Board President.
What makes the perfect college campus? A former student and youth group member of mine asked me this question a few weeks ago. It was a question that during our conversation, I didn’t have an immediate answer for at the moment which bothered me at the time. Over the last several weeks, I’ve caught myself pondering what seemed like a simple question.
Recently I was on campus, I looked around and thought, is it the architecture that makes the perfect college? The campus is always clean, the grass is always cut, the red brick buildings look amazing especially when the sunlight hits them during sunset. Is it the sound of laughter echoing between dorms, or the late-night dance parties in the residence halls? Is it the large groups of students who all arrive at the Cafe at one time to eat a meal together, the clinking of the coffee mugs at the library during Exam week, or the student section going wild as the basketball team wins the game and advances to the next round of March Madness. Maybe it is traditions, the friendships, or the milestones that have been shared across generations. But for me and so many other Barton Bulldogs, the answer is all of this and so much more.
Through this recent reflection, I have come to know that Barton College is a place that goes far beyond academics. It is the foundation of what makes us who we are today. Barton has continued to evolve over time since 1902. Recently, Barton has embraced change in powerful ways from remodeling academic programs, updating facilities, and investing in both academic and student life experiences. As I left the freshman welcome weekend this past August, I noticed that there is a renewed spirit on campus. One that reflects not only our tradition, but transformation. The students on campus today have this excitement where they want to strive for excellence in the classroom and on the field, and where community is more than a word, but it’s a way of life.
During my time at Barton as a student, I found my sense of community with students in my major, students in my Freshman Year Seminar (FYS) class, and the sisters of Tri Sigma. Academically, Barton challenged me to grow. I spent countless nights in the Library, Hines, or the Education Computer lab cramming for exams or finishing papers. At Barton, students knew that we weren’t alone. The faculty, staff, and peers were always cheering us on even during the late night Exam Breakfast Jams. Through being an FYS student leader, I had the privilege of helping new students find their footing — guiding them through those first few weeks, just as others had done for me. As a proud member of Tri Sigma, I found a sisterhood rooted in service, leadership, and deep bonds that last well beyond graduation. Whether it was cheering during Greek Sing, competing for the President’s Trophy, or organizing service projects, those moments deepened my love for Barton and the people who make it special.
While I found my community within Barton, the campus shaped us to be one with the Wilson Community. As students, we participated in different fundraisers that would give back to the community or local non-profits. As a tradition, Barton always created events on campus that were inviting and engaging for the students. Events that brought members of the Wilson Community to campus through Theatre, sporting events, Homecoming, and the list goes on and are considered to be the heartbeat of Barton. However, one of my favorites is the “Lighting the Tree” that to this day continues to bring warmth to even the chilliest December evenings. These traditions brought us together in joy, laughter, and shared purpose.
All of these things are why I love Barton College. The place where I found my purpose, my people, and a true sense of belonging. Researching for places to get my masters during my eighth year of teaching came easy. It was a no-brainer that I would return home to my Alma Mater to pursue my Master’s in Education in which the first day of classes felt like I was coming home.
Now, as your Barton College Alumni Association President, I see the campus from a new perspective. From the memories of my mother who attended Atlantic Christian College (ACC) to my memories as a Barton College student, these things always remain the same: Academics, Excellence, Community, and Tradition. As we move forward, Barton continues to be that place where students arrive full of potential and leave ready to make their mark. As alumni of the college, we carry the legacy forward. We are mentors, advocates, donors, and ambassadors — and we are, always, Bulldogs.
So what makes the perfect college campus?
It’s not perfection in the traditional sense. It’s a campus that continues to grow and evolve with the generations of students to come, honoring the traditions that have been set before us and creating new traditions too as we welcome the future. The perfect college campus is a place that celebrates every walk, every late-night study session, every tear and every triumph. For us, that place is Barton.
And now, more than ever, I hope you’ll join me in being All In for Barton — with your time, your voice, and your heart.
Go Bulldogs,
Leigh Anne Orr
Class of 2011 and 2021
Alumni Association President
Barton College